The announcement of electricity rationalization reminded Ecuadorians of episodes in which governments had to apply these measures, which caused dissatisfaction among the population.

Last Thursday, Energy Minister Fernando Santos Alvite announced that the country was facing its worst drought in 50 years and that demand was outstripping the country’s energy production.

“We see the need, in order to ensure that there is no electrical collapse, to arrange special and temporary cuts in the country’s electricity supply,” Santos announced.

Unplug electrical appliances when not in use

In 1992, Ecuadorians experienced a rationing program promoted by the government of Sixto Durán-Ballén, and was the result of a lack of rain in the areas where the main hydroelectric dams were located, and the flow rate of the Paute Dam recorded a level of almost half an average cubic meter per second.

The president at the time ordered that official time be moved forward one hour from November 28, 1992, and the measure lasted until February 5, 1993. This proposal was called the Sistine or Sistine Clock.

This was done in an effort to reduce energy consumption by utilizing sunlight. Although there was energy rationing in 2009, the measure was no longer applied.

University professor José Sampietro does not think that it is possible to apply a similar dynamic again today, due to industrial progress and the demand for energy that it requires.

“From the time of Sixto Durán-Ballén until now, the scenario of the country has changed, there are many more industrial factories and they do not only work during working hours, they work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and if people do not go to work, they may increase that energy peak in your house, which can be even a little bit higher,” he added.

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Another factor also thought to have an impact is the high rates of insecurity in the provinces, making it difficult to change work schedules or enroll in universities, colleges or schools. In addition, he noted that the dry water problem will worsen, with the worst-case scenario lasting until December.

“This could have been avoided by proper management of the maintenance of thermal power plants in the country and also correct negotiations with the Colombian state on energy imports,” he explained.

Ecuadorians experienced their first day of rationing with several complications such as the announcement of cutting time in advance, as well as difficulties in vehicle traffic due to non-functioning traffic lights.